Abstract

Hyperlipidemia induces oxidative stress, leading to up-regulation of hepcidin, iron deposition, and impaired spermatogenesis. The current investigation examines the beneficial effects of Moringa oleifera leaf extract and atorvastatin on hyperlipidemia-induced physiological and histological changes in the testes of rats. Forty male rats were divided into eight groups, including: the control (G0), hyperlipidemia (G1), hyperlipidemia + moringa (G2), hyperlipidemia + atorvastatin (G3), hyperlipidemia + moringa with atorvastatin (G4), moringa (G5), atorvastatin (G6), moringa + atorvastatin (G7). For five weeks, rats were given either Moringa oleifera extract or atorvastatin. Serum hepcidin, catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) were assessed. Histological examination of iron deposition, sperm parameters, and DNA fragmentation index (DFI) were also evaluated. The outcomes demonstrated that the induction of hyperlipidemia resulted in a notable increase in 8-OHdG levels, hepcidin, iron deposition, and DFI, while there were significant decreased levels of CAT and GPx. There were also structural alterations in seminiferous tubules, significant reductions in Leydig, Sertoli, and germ cell populations, and impaired sperm. Interestingly, the combination therapy improved oxidative stress, iron homeostasis, histopathological features, and sperm quality. The combination of atorvastatin and Moringa oleifera exhibited synergistic effects in protecting against hyperlipidemia. Treating Moringa oleifera with atorvastatin is suggested to reduce hyperlipidemia-induced testicular damage. Studies should include larger sample sizes to assess the molecular mechanisms, particularly those that activate oxidative stress or affect iron metabolism.

Key words: Hepcidin, Hyperlipidemia, Moringa oleifera, Oxidative stress, Spermatogenesis, Testes